CNS - The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will receive $18 million from the state to help increase security and enhance training programs for emergency personnel, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced.

The money will come from Proposition 1B funds. The Port of Los Angeles will receive $10.06 million, and $8.4 million is earmarked for Long Beach.

“From day one, I have said that public safety is my number one priority,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “That is why I championed Proposition 1B and added security funds to the measure for port and transportation security. We must continue our efforts to upgrade the state’s security infrastructure to protect lives and the economy of California.”

A total of $40 million was awarded to ports statewide.

“The threat to our port system is one of the most fundamental challenges we face,” said Matthew Bettenhausen, director of the state Office of Homeland Security.

“The danger of California’s economy is very real if our port system is vulnerable to a terrorist attack. I applaud the governor for his vision as we work to prevent and be prepared to respond to acts of terrorism or natural disaster.”

At the port of Los Angeles, $3.8 million will be spent on a commercial vehicle inspection area with X-ray imaging; $3.37 million on an electronic tracking system that will allow officials to see where vehicles, boats and equipment are located; $2.37 million on dock facilities for law enforcement vessels; and $450,000 on training for law enforcement.

“Our ports are the lifeblood of our prosperity, and this makes them an obvious target for those who would harm us in an age of terrorism,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. “Protecting this great asset—the largest ports complex in the nation—is a crucial task.”